With more than five dozen applicants from around the world, work has begun in earnest to hire an executive director for the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center, a process that could be complete before May.
A nine-member search committee is interviewing candidates in hopes of recommending a finalist to Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean of student life, in April. That deadline might be pushed back, however, thanks to the weeklong ice-related closure of campus in early February.
“We would like to have the person in question be able to visit on campus during the semester,” said Dr. Jeff Arrington, associate vice president of student life.
The search committee comprises:
- Arrington, chair of the committee
- Dr. MaLesa Breding, dean of the College of Education and Human Services
- Billie Currey, director of advancement strategies
- Kenli Edwards, director of intramural sports
- Dr. Kerri Hart, director of training and fitness programming
- Dr. Nicki Rippee, professor of exercise science and health
- Steve Rowlands, director of University Counseling Center
- Joel Swedlund, director of facility operations
- Thompson
According to the job description posted on ACU’s website, the executive director will be expected to manage the facility’s budget, recruit and develop staff for the center and guide the development of policies for the facility — doing all these in close collaboration with Hart and Swedlund.
That means the executive director will be working to bridge the academic and student life components within the center.
“We’re looking for someone with academic credentials and experience in the recreation and wellness field,” Arrington said, “who has a history of a collaborative work style.”
The facility is expected to feature a large number of student workers from numerous academic disciplines, and the executive director will be responsible for implementing a process that allows students the ability to become vital cogs in the day-to-day operation of the facility, including service on the center’s Collaborative Management Team, Arrington said.
Likewise, the team is seeking someone who embodies the whole-wellness philosophy of the center as represented in Mark 12:30 — “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength.”
“I’m hoping for someone who has a passion for wellness, has a lifestyle of wellness,” Arrington said, adding that the academic side of the facility’s programming is essential. “We really envision the center as the facility to support both research and activities in the Department of Exercise Science and Health.
Beginning shortly after spring break, Arrington said, finalists will be brought to campus to tour and interview with the search team, with a final recommendation Thompson in April. More than 60 people — men and women, internal and external candidates, including two from outside the United States — applied for the position, and the team continues to accept applications, he said.